Victoria & Joseph

When Victoria and Joseph met through a mutual friend at work, Joe claimed he “definitely would not be getting into a relationship any time soon.” However, he asked Victoria out on their first official date a few weeks later, and they haven’t gone a day without talking since.

Almost two years later, Joe decided it was time to pop the question. In December, he asked Victoria’s parents’ permission and told them he’d be asking “soon” (which they thought meant a few weeks). But it wasn’t until March, right before Victoria and Joe’s two year anniversary, that he got down on one knee.

Joe doesn’t love to leave their neighborhood of Northern Liberties or dress up since he wears a suit to work every day, so Victoria thought it was odd when he planned a fancy night out in Center City. Still, the thought of a proposal never crossed her mind. They arrived at the One Liberty observation deck overlooking Philadelphia and walked around a few times before Joe asked a stranger to take their photo. As Victoria posed, Joe got down on one knee and proposed. The man taking the photo didn’t speak English and had no idea a proposal was about to occur, so the photos are a complete blur as is Victoria’s memory due to overwhelming emotion. After Victoria said yes, the newly engaged couple went to an Italian restaurant in the area where Joe’s two best friends were waiting with a bottle of champagne. They then went to a bar down the street, where more surprises awaited. Victoria’s best friends from Virginia and New Jersey made the trip to celebrate her and Joe’s engagement.

Wedding planning went incredibly smooth for Victoria and Joe. The choice to get married in Cape May was an easy one since Victoria grew up here. Additionally, Victoria wanted to have her ceremony and reception at the same two places her parents did years ago: Our Lady Star of the Sea Church and The Grand Hotel. For Victoria and Joe, both locations had a special meaning and symbolized the beginning of a healthy marriage. “My parents have been happily married for 38 years, so I figured it would be good luck to start our journey out the same way!” shares Victoria.

Victoria and Joe describe their big day as by far the best day of their lives. After saying their “I Dos” at the church, Great American Trolley Company transported the bride, groom and bridal party to their next stop in style, making for some fun photos. They then headed to the reception, where The Grand Hotel offered the best view in Cape May and incredible food to celebrate with family and friends. Baked Pastry Shop provided a sweet ending to the night with a wedding cake guests raved about for weeks!